Tag Archives: Is your light shining for Jesus or the world?

Christmas Fortnight Day 5 A Word from THE WORD! #417

16 Tuesday Dec 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, 'Tis The Season?, Christ IN YOU, Christmas, Christmas IS Jesus, Christmas IS?, Christmas Lights, Christmas Ponderings, the hope of glory!, The Joy of The Lord!, The Light of The Word IS Jesus, The Light of The World, The Love of God, The manger leads to the cross, The Mind Of Christ

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Christmas Fortnight Day 5   A Word from THE WORD! #417

I love the music of Christmas, and we often attend the ‘Living Christmas Tree’ at the FBC in Lawton; while we were unable to attend this year, all I can say is Hallelujah at the beauty of their presentation.  It always brings to mind the beauty and glory of the story of Jesus—all the story–that Jesus is THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD.

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying,

I am the light of the world:

he that followeth me

shall not walk in darkness,

but shall have the light of life.”   John 8:12

Jesus was speaking this of Himself.  He was, is and ever shall be

The creator of light,

For HE is light,

and when we follow HIM, we can

not only SEE light

but also HAVE light!!!

Wow!!  When Jesus lay in that manger there wasn’t a “hallow” of light around Him, but there was the glow of His nature of light.  The same kind of glow that we see on the face of a precious saint of God who devotes themselves to loving and serving Him with their whole heart.  People ought to see Jesus IN us—in our lives, our actions, our testimony—which usually comes out of our “tests”.  As I heard someone say once, “If you’ve never had a trial or a test, then all you have is the ‘monies’!  How true!  What do you have?  Who is in you?

“…Christ in you the hope of glory….” (See Col 1:27)

In John 9:5 Jesus said,

“As long as I am in the world,

I am the light of the world.” 

His very presence brought God’s light into the world.  And John 1:4 tells us that,

“In him was life;

and the life was the light of men.” 

Jesus brought HIS LIGHT to bring us LIFE –

and His Life gives us Light.

As Matthew reminds us,

EMMANUEL—God with us!

Is He with YOU?

“In whom the god of this world

hath blinded the minds

of them which believe not,

lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ,

who is the image of God,

should shine unto them.”   2 Corinthians 4:4

Jesus came to make that LIGHT available to all—

to bring light into the darkness.

Do you have Light?

Do you SEE?

HIM?  Light?  Life?

Choose LIFE!  Choose JESUS!

His children then, are ‘ornaments’ of His light—

Matt 5:14a “Ye are the light of the world….” 

His blood changes darkness into light.

Have you been changed?

Do you need a light?

Our job?   To be a reflection of His light in us, before a lost and dying world!

“That ye may be blameless and harmless,

the sons of God,

without rebuke,

in the midst

of a crooked and perverse nation,

among whom ye shine

as lights in the world;”                Philippians 2:15

HIS light shining through US!

So,

look to the light,

believe in HIM,

and when you do, you can be HIS ornament that shines HIS story to the world.

Amen & Amen!!!

More About Spelling??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #396

12 Sunday Oct 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, Choose Wisely, Choose You This Day!, Choosing Jesus or The World?, Christ IN YOU, Come And Worship?, Come to Jesus, Come To Worship HIM, Fruit of the Spirit, Living For Jesus, Living in Christ, Living Right, Living TODAY!, Looking Unto Jesus, Looking up Or around?, Peace of God, Perilous Times Are Here, Perseverance, Power of The Cross, Press ON!

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More About Spelling???   A Word from THE WORD!!! #396

We talked last time about being devoted to Jesus, not being a “misuser” of The Word (both the living Word, Jesus; and the breath of the written Word, Jesus—the real Jesus, who will always align with The Word of God, The Bible!).  I think James can help us understand the principle that it’s not what we say, either about Jesus or ourselves, but it is what we do with God’s Word.  We are to let the Word transform us into the image of our Lord by looking into that mirror of life—the Bible!

“Wherefore, my beloved brethren,

let every man

be swift to hear,

slow to speak,

slow to wrath:

20 For the wrath of man

worketh not the righteousness of God.

21 Wherefore lay apart

all filthiness

and superfluity of naughtiness,

and receive with meekness

the engrafted word,

which is able to save your souls.

22 But be ye doers of the word,

and not hearers only,

deceiving your own selves.

23 For if any be a hearer of the word,

and not a doer,

he is like unto a man beholding

his natural face in a glass:

24 For he beholdeth himself,

and goeth his way,

and straightway forgetteth

what manner of man he was.

25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty,

and continueth therein,

he being not a forgetful hearer,

but a doer of the work,

this man shall be blessed in his deed.

26 If any man among you seem to be religious,

and bridleth not his tongue,

but deceiveth his own heart,

this man’s religion is vain.

27 Pure religion

and undefiled before God and the Father is this,

To visit the fatherless and widows

in their affliction,

and to keep himself unspotted

from the world.”  James 1:19-27

James isn’t saying that “religion” saves us, but that if we claim to belong to Jesus, our lives should be a reflection of godly character; if you would, “religion” in action before the world, not works to be saved, but as Paul tells the Ephesians, good works that draw people to our Lord Jesus!

“For by grace are ye saved

through faith;

and that not of yourselves:

it is the gift of God:

9 Not of works,

lest any man should boast.

10 For we are his workmanship,

created in Christ Jesus

unto good works,

which God hath before ordained

that we should walk in them.       Ephesians 2:8-10

We aren’t saved by any work that we can do, but we are saved by grace “unto good works”—not saved by works but saved to do good works before the world by the power of God, in Jesus our Lord.  Even Jesus talks about this, for when we belong to Him, when we are born again by the Spirit of God—our lives should be like the moon which reflects the light of the ‘sun’; we are to reflect the light of the ‘SON’!  Never of works that we do on our own, but the light of The Lord of glory who saves and transforms us!  Are we being salt and light, or have we changed the spelling of Lord of all, to “all for me” and become “good for nothing”?  I don’t know your heart, but God does!  You might need to check the spelling in your life (read my last post to get the picture of the spelling that I’m talking about.)

“Ye are the salt of the earth:

but if the salt have lost his savour,

wherewith shall it be salted?

it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out,

and to be trodden under foot of men.

14 Ye are the light of the world.

A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

15 Neither do men light a candle,

and put it under a bushel,

but on a candlestick;

and it giveth light

unto all that are in the house.

16 Let your light

so shine before men,

that they may see your good works,

and glorify your Father      

which is in heaven.”  Matthew 5:13-16

How “so shine”s your light?  Are you reflecting the glory, truth and love of Jesus Christ our Lord, or are you so filled with the world’s darkness that you have no “shine” to show?  Are you walking in your own power or that of the precious Holy Spirit.  Paul makes a pretty powerful statement to the believers at Rome.  How does Paul spell “service” (and if you would, The Holy Spirit, gives spelling lessons!)

“But ye are not in the flesh,

but in the Spirit,

if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you.

Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ,

he is none of his.”  Romans 8:9

“And he that searcheth the hearts

knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit,

because he maketh intercession

for the saints

according to the will of God.

28 And we know that all things work together

for good

to them that love God,

to them who are the called

according to his purpose.

29 For whom he did foreknow,

he also did predestinate

to be conformed to the image of his Son,

that he might be the firstborn

among many brethren.

30 Moreover whom he did predestinate,

them he also called:

and whom he called,

them he also justified:

and whom he justified,

them he also glorified.

31 What shall we then say to these things?

If God be for us,

who can be against us?” Romans 8:27-30

Are you ready to walk in The Spirit, or keep on falling down in the flesh?  It’s your choice, but it will make all the difference in the world to your walk!  God has ordained “good works” that you and I might walk in them; we aren’t to continue to wallow in the flesh.

While the following is a lengthy passage, I think it is beneficial and clearer to grasp in its context, remembering what we saw above—” If God be for us, who can be against us…”, remembering that “I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me…”!  You can—I can—we can—all because our Lord has not only paid the price but supplies our every need and ever lives to “make intercession” for His own! (See Hebrews 7:25). Also note that when it says things are “manifest”, it means to be visible, evident, and recognizable; telling us that our behavior will reflect what is in our heart!

“This I say then,

Walk in the Spirit,

and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit,

and the Spirit against the flesh:

and these are contrary

the one to the other:

so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

18 But if ye be led of the Spirit,

ye are not under the law.

19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest,

which are these;

Adultery,

fornication,

uncleanness,

lasciviousness,

20 Idolatry,

witchcraft,

hatred,

variance,

emulations,

wrath,

strife,

seditions,

heresies,

21 Envyings,

murders,

drunkenness,

revellings,

and such like:

the which I tell you before,

as I have also told you in time past,

that they which do such things

shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is

love,

joy,

peace,

longsuffering,

gentleness,

goodness,

faith,

23 Meekness,

temperance:

against such there is no law

24 And they that are Christ’s

have crucified the flesh

with the affections

and lusts.

25 If we live in the Spirit,

let us also walk in the Spirit.

26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory,

provoking one another,

envying one another.”  Galatians 5:16-26

So, my question is, are you misspelling?  Changing “Thy kingdom come…” to “my kingdom come”; and “Thy will be done…” to “my will be done”?  It’s your choice, but remember there is a test coming, and Jesus knows the truth.  Paul gives a great example—won’t you measure your heart by this truth?

“I am crucified with Christ:

nevertheless I live;

yet not I,

but Christ liveth in me:

and the life which I now live in the flesh

I live by the faith of the Son of God,

who loved me,

and gave himself for me.”  Galatians 2:20

Amen and Amen!!!

Is Holiness Out Of Style??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #331

21 Friday Mar 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, A Form of godliness?, Holey, Holiness, Holy, Holy Living, Light In The Dark, Like Jesus NOT Each Other, Living by Faith or Entertainment?, Living For Jesus, Living Right, Living TODAY!, Making a difference, Redefining Christianity?, Redemption or Rehearsal?, Redemption Through HIS Blood, Reflecting HIS glory, Sayers or Doers, Seasonal or Steadfast?, Self-sufficient or Dependent on Jesus?, Sharing What God Has Given

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Is Holiness Out Of Style???    A Word from THE WORD!!! #331

“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind,

be sober,

and hope to the end

for the grace that is to be brought unto you

at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

14 As obedient children,

not fashioning yourselves

according to the former lusts

in your ignorance:

15 But as he which hath called you is holy,

so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;

16 Because it is written,

Be ye holy;

for I am holy.

17 And if ye call on the Father,

who without respect of persons

judgeth according to every man’s work,

pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:

18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed

with corruptible things,

as silver and gold,

from your vain conversation

received by tradition from your fathers;

19 But with the precious blood of Christ,

as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:”  1 Peter 1:13-19

Peter called the scattered believers (due to persecution) to live according to the grace and holiness of God, not as they walked before they were saved.  I think it is a message that we need today!  We need to remember that Jesus shed His precious blood to save, transform and deliver us from sin—not to leave us in the same old life.  Are you and I measuring our words, our actions, our attitudes by The Word of God and the directing of The Holy Spirit? Or are we justifying our spiritual laxity with the old excuse, well “Everyone is doing it!”?  Have we allowed the TV, the movies, the music, the actions of others rub off on us?  Have we forgotten that we are to pursue God’s holiness?  Are you living Jesus in front of your world, or are you allowing the world around you to compromise your faith, your commitment to Jesus and your holiness?  How can we claim to be changed and yet live so worldly that no one really sees Jesus in me or you?  Paul told us we are to walk according to the change that Jesus brought!  What do people see you in?  In me?  Is the righteousness of Jesus showing in us, or are we so caught up with the world that others see more reflections of popular culture than of Jesus?

“Therefore if any man be in Christ,

he is a new creature:

old things are passed away;

behold, all things are become new.

18 And all things are of God,

who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ,

and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

19 To wit,

that God was in Christ,

reconciling the world unto himself,

not imputing their trespasses unto them;

and hath committed unto us

the word of reconciliation.

20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ,

as though God did beseech you by us:

we pray you in Christ’s stead,

be ye reconciled to God.

21 For he hath made him to be sin for us,

who knew no sin;

that we might be made the righteousness of God

in him.”  2 Corinthians 5:17-21

Is the righteousness of Jesus seen in me?  In you?  Do you claim Jesus with your lips but live a life that may shame or dishonor Him?  Do we brag on the things we watch or listen to, when the contents are vile, corrupt and the language that which we wouldn’t use before our King?  Guess what—your King and mine is ever present and sees and knows.  Do my decisions honor the blood stained cross or shame my Lord and the blood that HE shed for me.  Is my attire modest?  Or do I long for the praise of the world more than the pleasure of my Lord?   I know these aren’t popular things to talk about, but someone must.  And our speech is so often appalling.  Paul addressed that too—not just filthy words, but words that harm, degrade, or hurt others directly or with tacky remarks. (And I understand the struggle, for Jesus has dealt repeatedly with my own tendencies to be a smart alec!  And may I say, that is NOT a spiritual gift, no matter how much we try to excuse it!)

“Charge them that are rich in this world,

that they be not highminded,

nor trust in uncertain riches,

but in the living God,

who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

18 That they do good,

that they be rich in good works,

ready to distribute,

willing to communicate;

19 Laying up in store

for themselves a good foundation

against the time to come,

that they may lay hold

on eternal life.

20 O Timothy,

keep that which is committed to thy trust,

avoiding profane and vain babblings,

and oppositions of science

falsely so called:” 1 Timothy 6:17-20

And then again in his second letter to Timothy Paul mentions some of the same things as a reminder, with a challenge that we need to heed as well to “keep that which is committed to thy trust”!  May we receive the reminder and walk holy before our God—style or no style—living real holy lives as a reflection of the glory of our Lord—in all things.

“Of these things put them in remembrance,

charging them before the Lord

that they strive not about words to no profit,

but to the subverting of the hearers.

15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God,

a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,

rightly dividing the word of truth.

16 But shun profane and vain babblings:

for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

17 And their word will eat as doth a canker…:”  2 Timothy 2:14-17a

Don’t let spiritual cancer destroy your witness.  Let’s pursue holiness—not a denomination, but a lifestyle—a transformed lifestyle!!!  And watch those words, as I’ve often said, “Watch your words and keep them sweet—you never know which ones you’ll have to eat!!”

Amen and Amen!!!

It’s Warming Up? Are We??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #325

26 Wednesday Feb 2025

Posted by in 'Come unto me, 'Tis The Season?, A Call To Look Unto Jesus!, Abiding In Jesus, Choices And Consequences, Faithful is He that has Promised!, Firecrackers of Regret!, Following Jesus or the World?, Holy, Holy Living, Holy Spirit, IN HIS TIME!, IN Jesus!, JESUS, Jesus IN You!, Jesus Is Coming!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Saves!, Jesus' Sacrifice, Jesus-Wonderful Counselor, Light In The Dark, Salvation, the Lamb of God, The Light of The Word IS Jesus, The Light of The World, The Little Things., The Love of God, The Word

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It’s Warming Up? Are We???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #325

“I indeed baptize you with water

unto repentance:

but he that cometh after me

is mightier than I,

whose shoes I am not worthy to bear:

he shall baptize you

with the Holy Ghost,

and with fire:

12 Whose fan is in his hand,

 and he will thoroughly purge his floor,

and gather his wheat into the garner;

but he will burn up the chaff

with unquenchable fire.” Matthew 3:11-12

John the Baptizer was telling the people that the “One” (Jesus) who would come after him would baptize with The Holy Ghost and with fire.  While fire is a purifying element, it is also an element of judgment for those who reject Jesus!  Jesus promised his disciples (and us) that He would send the Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit to dwell within His own, and we would be empowered to do His work in His Spirit not our own.  It seems to me that Satan is busy putting out the fires of God’s Spirit in His own, with weariness, distractions of every sort, and we have allowed the coals to cool the fire that came down at Pentecost.

“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come,

they were all with one accord

in one place.

2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven

as of a rushing mighty wind,

and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues

like as of fire,

and it sat upon each of them.

4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost,

and began to speak with other tongues,

as the Spirit gave them utterance.”  Acts 2:1-4

This was the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise to His disciples, and we get so distracted with the issue of “tongues” that we miss the point that they did what The Spirit gave to them, and they went forth with the Gospel and people were saved.  Let’s not let Satan stir us to focus on our disagreements and differences of insight into scripture, but to let the fire of The Holy Ghost fill us and work at HIS direction.  We must focus on the promises of our Lord.

“And I will pray the Father,

and he shall give you another Comforter,

that he may abide with you for ever;

17 Even the Spirit of truth;

whom the world cannot receive,

because it seeth him not,

neither knoweth him:

but ye know him;

for he dwelleth with you,

and shall be in you.

18 I will not leave you comfortless:

I will come to you…

… 25 These things have I spoken unto you,

being yet present with you.

26 But the Comforter,

which is the Holy Ghost,

whom the Father will send in my name,

he shall teach you all things,

and bring all things to your remembrance,

whatsoever I have said unto you.”                             Portions of John 14:16-26

“These things I command you,

that ye love one another.

18 If the world hate you,

ye know that it hated me before it hated you.

19 If ye were of the world,

the world would love his own:

but because ye are not of the world,

but I have chosen you out of the world,

therefore the world hateth you.

20 Remember the word that I said unto you,

The servant is not greater than his lord.

If they have persecuted me,

they will also persecute you;

 if they have kept my saying,

they will keep yours also.

21 But all these things will they do unto you

for my name’s sake,

because they know not him that sent me…

…26 But when the Comforter is come,

whom I will send unto you

from the Father,

even the Spirit of truth,

which proceedeth from the Father,

he shall testify of me:

27 And ye also shall bear witness,

because ye have been with me

from the beginning.”  Portions of John 15:17-27

Jesus went on to give us more about our precious “Comforter”—the One who would come along side to guide our steps—if we will but “stop—look—and listen”!

“Nevertheless I tell you the truth;

It is expedient for you that I go away:

for if I go not away,

the Comforter will not come unto you;

but if I depart,

I will send him unto you.

8 And when he is come,

he will reprove the world of sin,

and of righteousness,

and of judgment:

9 Of sin,

because they believe not on me;

10 Of righteousness,

because I go to my Father,

and ye see me no more;

11 Of judgment,

because the prince of this world is judged.

12 I have yet many things to say unto you,

but ye cannot bear them now.

13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come,

he will guide you into all truth:

for he shall not speak of himself;

but whatsoever he shall hear,

that shall he speak:

and he will shew you things to come.

14 He shall glorify me:

for he shall receive of mine,

and shall shew it unto you.

15 All things that the Father hath are mine:

therefore said I,

that he shall take of mine,

and shall shew it unto you.”  John 16:7-15

Jesus has given us of His own Spirit to lead us, guide us, help us to understand His written Word as well as the promptings of The Spirit.  Oh, there is so much more that I want to share with you, but I think this is enough for today; my prayer is that you will let the fire of The Holy Spirit warm your heart, light a fire in your soul and lead you and me to spread the warmth and saving power of the Fire of Jesus’ saving grace!  We can either receive the warming gift of salvation or experience the fire of His judgment when He comes, or when you face Him in death.  Oh, my dear ones, I truly believe that Jesus’ return is eminent, and we are sorely unprepared and less than busy about “my Father’s business”!  Oh that the fire of repentance, revival and renewal shine in our hearts, and before a lost and dying world that needs Jesus.  May we be a faithful light!

“Ye are the light of the world.

A city that is set on an hill

cannot be hid.

15 Neither do men light a candle,

and put it under a bushel,

but on a candlestick;

and it giveth light

unto all that are in the house.

16 Let your light so shine before men,

that they may see your good works,

and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”  Matthew 5:14-16

To God be the glory!!!

Amen and Amen!!!

What’s The Verdict??? A Word from THE WORD!!! #288

15 Friday Nov 2024

Posted by in Eyes that SEE HIM, Following Jesus, Following Jesus or the World?, For Such A Time As This, JESUS, Jesus IN You!, Jesus IS Lord--bow before Him!, Jesus Is The Only Way!, Jesus Saves!, Jesus--our all in all, Like Jesus NOT Each Other, Living by Faith or Entertainment?, Living For Jesus, Living in Christ, Living Right, Living TODAY!, Living Waters

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What’s The Verdict???  A Word from THE WORD!!! #288

There’s a proverb that’s been around for a while, and I think it worth our consideration, especially in the day in which we are living; “If you were put on trial for being a Christian (a believer in and a follower of Jesus), would there be enough evidence to convict you?”  With our culture of “offence”, it is often easy to let our silence be construed as approval.  Now, I don’t think we need to go everywhere with “guns a blazin’ ” as the saying goes, but we are to speak the truth in love.  Oh, how needy our world is of real love—not lust, but real God centered, helping people centered, love of God.

“That we henceforth be no more children,

tossed to and fro,

and carried about with every wind of doctrine,

by the sleight of men,

and cunning craftiness,

whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love,

may grow up into him in all things,

which is the head,

 even Christ:

16 From whom the whole body

fitly joined together

and compacted

by that which every joint supplieth,

according to the effectual working

in the measure of every part,

maketh increase of the body

unto the edifying

of itself in love.”   Ephesians 4:14-16

Is our light shining for Jesus, reflecting His work in us, or are we letting the enemy have his way in our daily walk; what does my walk—my talk—my actions—my compassion and grace say to people about my Lord Jesus.  Would my life bring a verdict of guilty of belonging to Jesus?  Would there be a hung jury, for the compromise that prevails too often?  Would there be so little evidence that I would be set free for lack of evidence?  Am I more concerned with blending in than shining for Jesus.  Yes, it may have a cost, but nothing like the price that Jesus paid to save me!

Let’s look at what Jesus said our lives ought to look like.

“Blessed are ye,

when men shall revile you,

and persecute you,

and shall say all manner of evil against you

falsely,

for my sake.

12 Rejoice,

and be exceeding glad:

for great is your reward in heaven:

for so persecuted they the prophets

which were before you.

13 Ye are the salt of the earth:

but if the salt have lost his savour,

wherewith shall it be salted?

it is thenceforth good for nothing,

but to be cast out,

and to be trodden under foot of men.

14 Ye are the light of the world.

A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

15 Neither do men light a candle,

and put it under a bushel,

but on a candlestick;

and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

16 Let your light so shine before men,

that they may see your good works,

and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”  Matthew 5:11-16

Nuff’ said!

Amen and Amen!!!